HOW TO REACHELBA ISLAND BY FERRY? BEST ROUTES TO PORTOFERRAIO
The island of Elba is the largest of the Tuscan Archipelago is one of the most visited destinations in the Tyrrhenian Sea. With over two million tourists each year, it is second only to the city of Florence among the most visited locations in Tuscany.
How to get to the island of Elba?
The easiest and cheapest way to reach Elba Island is by ferry.
Portoferraio
is the island’s main port. Numerous ferries connect Portoferraio with Italy and Corsica via routes from Piombino and Bastia. The other port on the island of Elba is Rio Cavo, which is less important and less well connected than Portoferraio.
Ferries to Portoferraio
The most popular routes to Elba Island are:
- Piombino – Portoferraio route for those arriving from Italy
- Bastia – Portoferraio route for those arriving from Corsica
The Piombino – Portoferraio route. Is the shortest. The ferry from Piombino takes 1 hour to reach Elba Island located just 10 km from the Tuscan coast. The main Shipping Companies that ply this route are:
- Moby Lines
- Corsica Ferries
- Toremar
- Navy Blue
Bastia – Portoferraio is the best route to reach the island of Elba from Corsica The ferry from Bastia takes about 4 hours to reach Portoferraio, while aboard a fast ship it takes only 1.30 hours.
- Corsica Ferries is the shipping company that runs the Bastia – Portoferraio route.
What to visit in Portoferraio
In addition to being the main port of Elba Island, Portoferraio is also the most important town. From here it is possible to visit the entire island and reach the most beautiful beaches, but it is also an important tourist destination because of its rich history.
According to Greek mythology Portoferraio is said to have been the landing place of the Argonauts in search of the sorceress Circe. The ancient Romans built seaside villas there that can still be visited today. Even Napoleon Bonaparte chose it as his residence for his golden exile. Elba Island is a true pearl of the Tyrrhenian Sea, convenient to reach thanks to ferries to Portoferraio.
